Shake what ya mama gave ya??

I like most sane people love to laugh, dance, rap in my room with my pink and leopard print studio headphones while I practice my deejaying skills...OH that last one may just be one of my fave pastimes, but I digress. We all enjoy merriment in some form or another. I like to think that on most days I'm  95% classy, 3% hood, and 2% other. Within that 3% lies my being a twerker at heart (just ask my besties, lol). With that being said I think my skills are fine, not make my own YouTube video to display them or give a tutorial but they're more than respectable. That leads me to these two young ladies, Kelli and Brittani (note the spelling, it's reminiscent of "Lysterine with 'y', NOT an 'i'). In the video they display the twerking skills Kelli's mama taught them. I wonder how many bands it would take to make them stop dancing?  I'll let you make your own judgments about this...

Chrisette Michele

Hey folks, just wanted to pop in and let you all see what I've run across. I love Chrisette Michele. Her voice, spirit, energy, and soul. She's gorgeous! The video below is her latest track off the forthcoming An audiovisual presentation of Audrey Hepburn (Dec. 8) Enjoy the visuals. Hit the links below if you'd like to download this track and her other new joint featuring Wale, Rich Hipster.


Rich Hipster

Charades

                                              

Late night mood music

Sometimes, I like to be in my feelings. Tonight just happens to be one of those nights. I like to just get in bed watch a good movie (Brown Sugar, Medicine for Melancholy, etc.). Then drift off to some soothing, meaningful music. One of my FAVE local artists Ms. Theresa Payne has delivered. I won't front and act like I don't envision my future with a tall, dark, handsome Mr. who makes me his Mrs. and this song just fuels it. She even hash tagged it #dearfuturehusband ! On this beautiful autumn night, snuggle up and grab a nice, tall glass of whatever beverage you like to indulge in and enjoy. ( Go and listen to more of her music)

Patience!!

Act now and get some action for FREE.99!

Solange

I love Solange. Don't get me wrong I definitely love Beyonce' but the spunk, the confidence, and talent that radiates from Ms. Solange gives me life! I still listen to Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams like it's new. SO imagine my excitement when I heard she was ready to release some new music. Here's her new single and video "Losing You" filmed in South Africa. Full of fashion, fun, energy and good music. All things I expect from her.

Tell me the truth boy am I losing you for good...

Afro-punk Tuesday

VV Brown is not new to the music scene but this song is. She's been performing and recording tracks for her upcoming album. I like her, she makes me want to beat on things, sing my heart flat out, and speak in a British accent. She brings the punk out.


So here's Samson & Delilah...

New finds for the sonically inclined

In my late night/early morning search of the internet, I always come across new music and decided to share my findings. Today's installment comes from a group from Brooklyn, NY. The Rising Sun All stars and their song Lucky Monday. If you like it support them. If you don't keep it to yourself.

Enjoy!

DNC2012 Day 1

Tonight was the first night of the Democratic National Convention, and honey let me tell you, those Democrats are CRUNK! The speakers be they politicians or regular citizens were captivating. The shade being thrown on the RNC was palpable. This is what I look forward to. As I've gotten older, I have come to appreciate politics so much.I watch MSNBC, CNN, read blogs, newspapers. The whole process make me swoon a bit. Politics can be frustrating, maddening, fun, loud, but so rewarding. Tonight was evidence of that. The love and belief in and for our POTUS is REAL. The Republicans got b$&%h slapped tonight. FLAT OUT. There were so many good points tonight. I really enjoyed the tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy. The way he read young Mitt in that debate! It gave me life! Governor Deval Patrick dropping bombs all in the Republican camp and highlighting the President's achievements. He and Rahm are the high powered men with street qualities that a lot of good guys have around to do the mud slinging. The closer tonight was the elegant, eloquent, sophisticated, intelligent, etc. FLOTUS. Her job was to make sure the undecided voters and those wavering that Barack is the right choice. Following are the intro videos for Sen.Ted Kennedy tribute and for First Lady Michelle Obama.

Claressa Shields

Happy Friday

I'm sure many of you are like who's Claressa Shields? She's a force to be reckoned with. A gold medalist winning Olympian. She's our homegirl from Flint. I'm surprised that she hasn't been seen more because she's got the makings of a popular athlete. Attitude, confidence and skill to back it up. I'll let you read for yourself about her from another blog. If you click on the link you'll be guided to one of my favorite blogs. The post today is about a forgotten gold medalist, who just like our beloved little Gabby D deserves our adulation and love. She took a road less traveled and knocked out her competition in the process. Congrats to Claressa Shields! She made history too and just isn't getting as much media attention as our other talented sis. She's bad.

Respect. 8/22

I won't apologize for not posting in a while. Life happens, I'm a thug in my own mind. Deal wit it homie. The following two things have respect and black folk in common. Other than that...nothing links them. Don't judge me. First. On this day in 1831 Nat Turner led his rebellion. It ended in a bloody massacre of both blacks and whites. He was hung for it. Justice was not served but freedom was tasted that day. *Fist raised, afro big and heart full of pride.* I won't forget what his death means. Freedom is a gift and shouldn't be taken for granted. Second. I just wanted to pop in and link you all to a fabulous writer and her refreshing interaction with a respectable brother. Enjoy!

A Heroic Feat

Last week at the premiere of the new Batman movie, a man decided to end the lives of many. He opened fire in a crowded theater.Twelve innocent people were killed and 58 were injured 9 critically injured and are still hospitalized. In the midst of the chaos, a young man saw that a mother and her two children were struggling to get to safety. He made the decision to risk his life in order to save this woman and her children after the boyfriend abandoned them and drove home. Following is a interview with both Jarell Brooks and Patricia Legarreta. I'm glad to hear of a silver lining in this tragedy. Batman would be proud... *I'm giving a major side eye to Patricia and the reporter for discussing the proposal from her boyfriend*

Cat calls, subways, and plenty of walking

Hi all, Today was my first day in NYC and after having some troubles checking into our "hotel", Jenny, Danielle, and I had a blast! We hit Times Square and bought some souvenirs. Ate a spicy sausage from a street vendor, witnessed too many able bodied children being pushed in strollers, took some pictures and shopped a bit.

After Times Square we hopped on the train and headed over to 116th St in Spanish Harlem for some delicious NY style pizza from Sam's.

After that meal, we walked further into Harlem

and got to experience some REAL New Yorkers, lol.By that I mean a specific group of men who were hanging out in front of the liquor store and threw various cat calls our way. After kicking for a couple of hours, our friend/tour guide/ surrogate mama Danielle reluctantly allowed us to ride the train back to the "hotel" by ourselves.

After a long day of walking and enjoying my girls' company, my body is tired. I'm turning in for the evening. I'm tuckered out, but I can't wait to see and then tell you all what I get into tomorrow.

Wheels up!

Good morning all, It's EARLY. Like we got to the airport at like 4AM (no Melanie Fiona though).Me and one of my besties Jenny are headed to NYC to visit our girl Danielle. We are beyond excited. While waiting to board the plane I see the usual families and such, $7 breakfast burritos, and overly tanned passengers. This is both of our first time flying and thankfully my bossy nature has come in handy. I was here to keep JThunda calm, cool and collected. I plan to blog this week about our various (mis)adventures while visiting. I don't know what to expect besides late nights, countless cocktails, culture, and tons of east coast swag. I'm (we're) ready. WHEELS UP! Pictured below are Jenny and I, oily faced in the airport.

Summer, summer, summer time

It's getting out chere and if you're like me, you want to show off those curves in this heat. I know that it may be difficult for some us due to various insecurities. Sugar you are going to have to get over that and quick because if you don't enjoy yourself because of what other may say, your going to be pissed off, sweaty, and lonely for a long time. I sweat if I even think about the sun too hard,lol. Seriously though, I refuse to sweat in long pants and sleeves because the fashion police feel I should cover all my good and jiggly bits. I invite you join me in the Big Fat Summer Challenge. Ladies (and gents) step outside the box, break the mold. Stop sweating those lumps, and bumps. If you don't think you're sexy, nobody will. I'll see you in the sun honeys. Pictures of you tackling the outfit challenge would be appreciated...

Why isn't this purple?!

One of my favorite comedians, Aziz Ansari, just released his new comedy special and this is one of the jokes that had me crying. I think it's funny. Enjoy...

Low Down Loretta Brown

This is just the way I'm feeling today. Nothing crazy in particular has happened but often find myself saying some of these lines in responses to some of these tired men. It's a smooth groove that can be played whenever though. As is most of her catalog. I love me some Low Down Loretta Brown. Happy Friday all. Enjoy!

A word from Willie

This was posted on facebook and I decided that I needed to share it. Because most women in my age bracket can identify with what this man is saying. You may recognize the brother spreading the word. He was formerly known as Pretty Willie known for singing "Lay Your Body Down", "4 Walls", etc. He goes by Willie Moore Jr now. He found the Lord and is now going forth and passing it around. I won't front the message hit me, maybe it'll help one you too. Dating these days can be treacherous, but if we are armed with some knowledge it makes it easier. Feel free to subscribe to his Youtube channel. I'll do my best to keep you all posted.

Stand Up- RIP Trayvon Martin

If you haven't been following the news let me catch you up. 17 year old Trayvon Martin of Miami, FL was murdered in cold blood because of racial profiling in February.(We won't discuss how long it's taken for the mainstream media to get hold of this.) Meanwhile, the killer, George Zimmerman has yet to be arrested. This is beyond crazy. This man was not a police officer he had no right to follow this young man. On the 911 tapes you can clearly hear Trayvon's cries for help. Trayvon could be anyone of our brothers, nephews, cousins,etc. Trayvon deserves justice.We need to stand together no matter your race. A young black man's life is just as valuable as anyone else's. The following video is of US Representative Frederica Wilson as she explains what needs to be done. STAND UP. A link to one of the 911 calls follows the video. Sign the petition. 911 call

Joseph Kony 2012

This is was brought to my attention and I knew I had to share. This troubles my soul. It should trouble yours too. It's a sad shame that this is the first time that I'm hearing about this. I'm down for the cause. Joseph Kony HAS TO BE STOPPED. I hope that you watch this short film and make the same pledge. We can bring about change.

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

Happy Women's History Month

Greetings and Salutations, It's March so that means it's Women's History Month. Naysayers be silent. Women are the central part of all societies. Respect is to be shown. The video that follows is from one of my favorite YouTubers, Whoissugar. She lists the 10 things she feels all women should know. If you're so inclined feel free to comment below as to what YOU think all women should know. Males your input is more than welcome too. "If you are in a country that is progressive, the woman is progressive. If you're in a country that reflects the consciousness toward the importance of education, it's because the woman is aware of the importance of education. But in every backward country you'll find the women are backward, and in every country where education is not stressed its because the women don't have education." -Malcolm X

Excuse me while I testify...

I have had this same statement uttered to me more times than I can count! This young lady has put my feelings into words. I thank her for that and hopefully this makes you uncomfortable and allows you to rethink what you say.

Still Standing...

Real, soulful artists + their truth= REAL music and a happy listener. Happy Sunday.

Here comes the Judge...

Hey fam,
 Let me first apologize for falling off on my BHM duties. Somehow I became consumed with other things and neglecting my blog. I know we don't have that many days left in February so I may just take this on into March. I know that 's Women's History Month but it's my blog and I make the rules. I have some other rants/raves to share with you but I'll save those for another day.
With that said let me hit you with the BHM moment of today.

In 1939, Jane M. Bolin became the First African American Woman Judge in the United States. She was assigned by the Mayor to the Domestic Relations Court of the City of New York. She became a lawyer after being influenced by her father, Gaius Bolin (who was the first black graduate of Williams College). After graduating from Wellesley College, she entered Yale Law School where she was one of two African Americans and one of three women. After completing her law degree, she joined her father's practice. Ms. Bolin was also the first black woman to join the New York City Bar Association. She remained on the Domestic Relations Court, now known as the New York Family Court for nearly forty years leaving at the mandatory retirement age of 70. Bolin died in 2007 at the regal age of 98.

Feb 5- Mike Carey

Are you ready for some football?

I will admit that I'm not the biggest football aficionado, but I know a little bit. Since I was blessed with an awesome father, great brothers, male friends and marching band I have been immersed in it. I appreciate it. So today's BHM post is dedicated to it.

 Michael "Mike" Carey was assigned by the NFL to referee the 2008 Super Bowl game between the NY Giants and the NE Patriots, making him the FIRST African-American referee in Super Bowl history. This was Carey's eighteenth year as a football official. He is 1971 graduate of California's Santa Clara University where he was a running back. After an ankle injury his playing days were over. After graduation, he officiated for Pop Warner games. Then in 1990 was hired by the NFL as a side judge, he was then promoted to referee at the start of the '95 season.
 Mike's no one trick pony though. He and his wife, co-founded Seirus Innovation, a company that manufactures and sells cold weather accessories for skiing and snowboarding. He's invented numerous items of ski apparel, including Cat Tracks, a protective device that slips over the soles of ski boots.

So this Sunday while you're rooting for your team and scarfing down the snacks, pay special attention to men making the calls.  Black history is all around us.

It's official like a referee with a whistle...

Black Gold- Day 2

First off, if you don't know Esperanza and Algebra. Sugar get familiar. These ladies are really talented.! This song speaks to and for us. If you didn't know; I, you, we are BLACK GOLD! Be proud of us.
**Side note: I know I said I was bringing you folk you've never heard of. BUT this song was too good not to post. I'll be back on my mission tomorrow.

Feb 1, 2012- Intro/Frank Yerby

It's February again. So that means it's Black History Month. Now I know someone is going to say "I'm (your're) Black/African-American/Negro, etc everyday not just in February. It's the shortest month of the year anyway..." (Cue Kanye West). No need to shout sugar, I hear you and you're right. But since we were given this month to highlight/observe US and to (hopefully) start a year long conversation(s) and history lesson(s) about how intelligent, awesome, influential, and fly we are. So just like I did last year, I am going to hip my readers to some people you may or may not have heard of.



First up is Frank Yerby. He was a best-selling author with his first book The Foxes of Harrow (1946). The book sold over one million copies. It was the first novel by an African-American to be purchased by a Hollywood studio and it was made into a film in 1947. After the unexpected success of his first novel Yerby settled in Madrid, Spain, and went on to write more than thirty historical novels, most of which became best sellers. Yerby died in 1991. His work lives on.

BIGGEST. ONLINE. PROTEST.EVER

CENSORSHIP. IS. FOR. SUCKAS!

Jesus>Religion

This poem is THE TRUTH. It spoke to my mind, heart and soul. Hopefully it makes you think . Look up the Youtube channel BBall1989.

Save room for your money, honey.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I want to start by saying THANKS for hanging with me and my blog for a year. I hope that your holiday season was as restful, as peaceful, as loving, as everything as you needed and wanted it to be. I know mine was. I trust that you are thankful for another day and another opportunity at happiness that everyone doesn't get. Now that parties are over, confetti has been swept up and the music has been turned down it's time to get back to business. I've never been one for making resolutions. If I want to change, I don't want for a designated time of the year to do so. My biggest challenge has been saving money. I know I need to do it, and I know the importance of it I just don't do it as well as I know I can. I have gotten better though. I switched banks and got a better savings plan. We're all tired of singing the "I'm SO broke" song. So here's what we can do. Financial plan 2012: 52 week challenge. Save a dollar for every corresponding week. 1st week=$1, 2nd week=$2, etc. Put it into a ING account at a .85% interest rate. Or whatever savings account of your choosing. (Even a shoe box on top of the fridge Redman style will do, lol) If weekly isn't feasible, try bi-weekly or monthly payments to yourself. For YOUR FUTURE.  Let's watch our finances grow and change. Tell all your friends, prosperity is in our grasp. Scrimping and not having enough is for the birds, we know better.  This is idea is not mine, I have to thank Ms.SparkWisdom from Youtube for this. (check her out, we all need a bit of extra encouragement and she is all about that.) I'm just doing my part and share the information. I want us all to win. Everyone deserves to have a little extra and have the means to splurge sometimes. You have to do the work though. You've got to save, or your nest egg won't grow. If you can't start now, start whenever you can. Along with saving more try keeping track of your spending. It's easier to see where your money is going if you physically write it down. Let this financial challenge be the first part of your plan on being a better version of yourself. Let this success spill over into your career, spiritual, romantic, and whatever other parts of life need a bit of revamping.  Be accountable for your successes and failures. Not just financially but in life. I promise it'll make you a better person. I can't wait to hear about it.

"If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting."
Benjamin Franklin